Boat Bow Shade Cover

ABSTRACT

The shade cover assembly includes a textile contoured to the shape and size of the bow of the vessel to which applied, tautly stretched across above the bow secured by a plurality of quick release fastening devices along the peripheral reinforced edges to the port and starboard the railing/stanchion system on the bow. An insulating air space between the shade cover and the bow surface is present at all times which may require spacers to maintain. For boats with through the windshield access to the bow a quick release fastening system is featured at the aft edge of the shade cover.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(a) Field of the Invention

This invention relates to boats, specifically a new item of manufacture secured to the existing rail and/or stanchion system of the bow of the boat primarily functioning as a heat sink and deflective shield achieved by maintaining an air space between the tautly stretched material and the bow surface of the boat. The ideal application is to have full clearance of the shade plane when fastened to the rail. User preference of the product and/or the design of the boat may warrant a need for spacers to prevent the plane of the shade cover from contacting the bow surface allowing heat to be conducted to the boat surface through to the cabin below. The spacers may be secured to the boat bow shade cover or the boat. Using a material engineered to withstand the extreme weather elements is ideal for obvious reasons, but a mesh allows rain to permeate the shade instead of pooling on the plane as it does with canvas or non porous materials. Non porous textiles also, are an effective heat shield, sun deflector, and gel coat protector. The slope of the railing may provide an adequate incline for water to pour off the shade cover plane.

(b) Description of the Related Art

Heat management is the premise of this invention and others similar in concept and use. Exterior solar screens reflect, absorb, and dissipate the sun's heat and glare before it passes through the window. Similar in appearance to insect screens, the sun blocking screens consist of a frame sized to a window to which the mesh textile is stretched and secured with spline. The solar screen frame is held in place by screwing clips into the window frame. The technology of commercially available materials vary in composition and the manufacturing process. Phifer and Textilene are the main solar screen materials preferred in the United States. The proven effectiveness of the solar screen textiles for solar shading/heat gain issues; daytime privacy without blocking the view and; UV protection of furnishings inspired other applications.

Shade sails shift the plane from vertical to horizontal comprised of a flexible mesh tensioned between several anchor points to shade playgrounds; picnic areas; patios and; places where people gather outside. Awn Tex., Commercial 95™, Polyfab USA LLC, manufacture knitted shade fabrics specifically for tension structures designed for residential and commercial applications.

The solar screen shade applications to vehicles are known in the prior art. For example, Simon U.S. Pat. No. 6,497,444 encases the rear section of a golf cart seating utilizes the existing structure of the vehicle to frame the shield; secures with straps and; shades the occupants from the sun's radiating heat, yet maintains visibility while driving.

Similarly, Tapia U.S. Pat. No. 6,725,807 applies the solar screen textile to the bed of a pick up truck to shade a pet. A retractable shade assembly comprising of the solar screen textile attached to a spring loaded rod is mounted to the vehicle. The loose end of the textile on the rod is drawn, extended along the bed of the truck and secured to a frame assembly. Tension is maintained on the pet canopy fabric by the resistance of the spring mechanism within the rod to which it is attached.

Car window roller blind systems use mesh materials to reduce glare, deflect the UV rays of the sun, and keep visibility through the shade.

Lastly, Forbis et al U.S. Pat. No. 7,322,154 frames the solar screen textile to shade structures and equipment from the radiant heat of the sun. Positioning the shade assembly slightly above or away from a structure or equipment yields an insulating airspace which enables effective shielding. Performing as a heat sink, the panels reduce the rate of solar heat gain to object being buffered.

A roundabout boat having seating in the open bow is known as a bow rider. A cover for the bow of a this type boat are usually for the purpose to protect the seating when not in use. A different bow cover on the market functions as a tarp to secure bulky recreational gear. A shade for a bow rider boat is for the purpose of shading the bow occupants when anchored or docked. Said shade is not intended for use when underway because the view is obstructed.

A cabin cruiser is a power driven pleasure boat with living accommodations inside the structure of the boat. The cabin temperature may become very warm on a sunny day making the room less comfortable to retreat for reprieve from the sun. If the boat is equipped with an air conditioner, the cabin may be cooled by running the appliance. If the boat does not have a generator and relies on shore power, the cabin temperature will elevate once the boat disconnects from the dock. If a boat does have a generator to run the air conditioner, fuel is consumed to operate the generator and, hours of use subtract from the life of the generator and air conditioner. A bow shade or cover for the utility of reflecting solar radiant heat and functioning as a heat sink preventing solar heat gain by conduction to the bow, then further to the cabin below is not available in the prior art to compare or improve.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A shade cover attached to the bow rails and stanchions of a boat shields the bow from the sun and keeps the cabin below deck substantially cooler, thus a more comfortable temperature is maintained in the cabin for the enjoyment of the occupants. An ecologically-conscious benefit results with the use of the shade cover, because air conditioners would be used less to cool the cabin temperature, generators to run the air conditioners would be used less, fewer hours used on the generators to operate the air conditioner, and less fuel would be used to run the generators. The gel coat, which maintains the integrity of the fiberglass on the deck, would be protected from the sun by the shade cover. The properties of textiles engineered for tension membrane structures and solar screens are ideal for the boat bow shade cover application, because the open-weave or knitted mesh prevent water pooling; have excellent strength to weight ratios; favorable tensile strength; resistant to tearing; and are UV stabilized. Though solar screens were the inspiration for the invention, weather resistant, non-porous textiles function effectively as a heat sink, solar deflector, and gel coat protector.

The boat bow shade cover is attached to the existing railing and stanchion system on the bow of the boat. To effectively shade the bow, the shade cover material must not come in direct contact with the surface of the bow otherwise, heat would be conducted to the boat surface and to the cabin bellow. Considering the variances in boat designs, the size and shape of the shade is determined by the dimensions of the bow for which the shade cover is made. The key to keeping the shade off the boat is achieved by maintaining tension on the material connected to the existing rail/stanchion system and, if applicable, spacer(s) placed underneath to prevent direct contact of the shade cover to the bow surface. The configuration and plurality of said spacers is deemed by individual boat design and shade cover attachment position. The means in which to affix the shade and/or spacers may vary as well.

The attachment method of such an embodiment may include straps or cords sewn to the shade cover or pass through grommets or rings and may incorporate a quick release devise such as buckles, clamps, hooks, Velcro® to adjust the tension of the shade when securing to the railing/stanchion system. A shade cover may be tailor made to a specific bow to forgo adjustable features.

The air space between the shade cover and the bow surface is equally important as the shade cover itself. To support the effectiveness of the shade cover, the air space must be maintained. The rise of a bow or attachment position of the shade cover may compromise the space. The plane of the shade cover may be elevated with a spacer placed at the point where there may be contact. A spacer may be secured to the shade cover or the boat.

A modification to the shade cover for cabin cruisers having a walkthrough windshield to access the bow need a quick release seam from the aft edge of said shade forward to be able to approach the fastening system at the rails and stanchions as well as return to the helm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Apparatus and methods of varying scope are described herein. The provided drawings are solely as non-limiting examples of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a basic embodiment of the invention in a simple utilization.

FIG. 2A shows an embodiment of the invention attached to the rails of the bow of a boat.

FIG. 2B shows an embodiment of the invention with a need for a spacer due to the incline of the boat's bow profile.

FIG. 2C shows an embodiment of the invention attached to the stanchions of a boat with the need for spacers to support the shade.

FIG. 2D shows an embodiment of the invention with a seam with a quick release binding for the user to reach the attachments securing the bow shade cover to the rail and/or stanchion system.

FIG. 3A shows a hollow tubular form with a rope to secure the spacer to the shade or the boat.

FIG. 3B shows a spacer form encased in material with straps and carabineers as means of attachment.

FIG. 3C shows a pocket attached to the underside of the shade cover encasing a spacer form.

FIG. 3D an air-filled tubular spacer form with hooks as means of attachment.

FIG. 4A shows the invention having a plurality of spacers positioned side to side.

FIG. 4B shows the invention having a plurality of spacers in a circumferential configuration.

FIG. 4C shows the invention having a plurality of spacers positioned in a radial configuration from the front towards the stern.

FIG. 5A shows a custom securing application with specific positions of recesses at the intersections of the stanchions and rail to permit the shade to wrap around the rail without obstruction of the stanchion.

FIG. 5B shows a bow shade cover sized within the dimensions of the rail system. An adjustable Velcro® strap passes through a grommet, wraps the rail and, tautly secures the shade.

FIG. 5C shows the invention at a lower position secured with the versatile placement of a tarp clamp and a tension cord wrapped around the stanchion. Spacers maintain an air space.

FIG. 6 shows the function of the shade reflecting the radiant heat from the sun reducing conduction to the cabin below. Spacers between the bow surface and the shade uphold an insulating air space.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description, reference will be made to the embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, like numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and logical, mechanical and, other changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the embodiments. The following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

FIG. 1 shows a basic application of the invention attached to the front or bow 2 of a boat 4. The shade cover 20 conforms to the shape of the railings 6. The means of attachment 24 secure the shade cover 20 from the reinforced edges 22 to the rails 6: The stanchion 8 posts supporting the rail 6 provide clearance preventing said shade cover 20 to make contact with the bow 2 surface. An insulating air space 95 is present throughout the span of the shade cover 20 plane to keep the cabin below at a cooler temperature.

Referring to FIG. 2A, the boat 4 depicted is a typical cabin cruiser design having the living accommodations enclosed within the structure of the bow 2 area. A railing 6/stanchion 8 system frames the bow area along the port and starboard sides. The present invention utilizes the existing features to anchor the shade cover 20 in place. The shape of said shade cover 20 mimics the shape of the area in which it covers. The ideal textile for the present invention is weather resistant, dimensionally stable, and tear resistant. Such fabrics are manufactured by Phifer Inc.; Twitchell Corporation™; Serge Ferrari S.A.S.; Mehler Texnologies GmbH; Glen Raven, Inc.; Commercial 95™; and Polyfab USA LLC. To strengthen at the points where the tensile force strains the fabric as it is stretched across the bow 2 at the railing 6/stanchion 8 system, the edges of the shade cover 20 may be reinforced by means of hemming, binding or facing to support the structural integrity. Stretching the shade cover 20 tautly reduces the sag of the horizontal plane. If the shade cover 20 was oversized for the bow 2 in which applied, the sag in the fabric plane may result in the material touching the bow 2 surface. At the point of contact, the radiant heat from the sun would be transferred to the bow 2 surface conducting the heat through to the cabin below. The air space 95 between the shade cover 20 and bow 2 surface is an integral element of the present invention.

The embodiments in which to secure the shade cover 20 along the port and starboard edges to the railing 6/stanchion 8 system have multiple variables. Consideration of fixing the attachment method 24 to the shade cover 20 may include but, not limited to sewing, gluing, stapling or, fusing. However, this option presents an issue of replacement as parts may become worn over time though the benefit is that the chance of loosing the components is less. A means in which to pass the attachment method 24 through may include but, not limited to incorporating grommets, D-rings, square rings, or tarp clamps along the port and starboard edges. The desired characteristics of the methods of attachment 24 include but, are not limited to being adjustable, quick release, non-abrasive, strong, light-weight and, durable. Suitable forms of the method of attachment 24 include but, are not limited to straps, ropes, cords, elastics, bands, Velcro®, belts or, cables possibly paired with fastening devices. The fasteners may include but, are not limited to knots, clamps, toggle spring rope locks, bungee cords, ball bungees, magnets, ratchets, hooks, hook and loop, carabineers, clips, or buckles.

The approach to affix said attachment methods 24 of said shade cover 20 to the railing 6/stanchion 8 system has multiple possibilities. One may secure said attachment methods 24 at the bow's forward position alternating with the port and starboard to monitor and adjust a uniform tension of the plane of the fabric as progressing towards the back. The said attachment methods 24 may be attached on either the port or starboard side then proceed from the front of the bow of the opposite side to secure and adjust the tension continuing towards the back. Both the port and starboard attachment methods 24 may be secured to the railing 6/stanchion 8 system simultaneously with assistance to gauge and adjust the tension of the shade cover 20.

When removing said shade from the railing 6/stanchion 8 system, approach from either the port or starboard side gunwales and continue along the perimeter until all fastening devices 24 have been disconnected. If assisted, each party approaches from a respective gunwale to detach said fastening devices 24 and continues to the apex of the shade cover 20.

Similarly, FIG. 2B depicts the shade cover 20 secured at a lower tier of the railing 6/stanchion 8 system and would also represent an application where as a portion of the bow's profile incline elevates above the height of the railing 6. In this scenario, only partial contact is made between the shade cover 20 and the bow 2 surface compromising the insulating air space 95. A spacer(s) 50 may be utilized to lift the contacting portion of the shade cover 20 off the bow 2 surface. Said spacers 50 may be secured directly to the shade cover 20 or the railing 6/stanchion 8 system of the boat 4. Explicit descriptions of the spacers 50 will be presented in conjunction with the spacer 50 illustrations.

Another application modification of the present invention shown in FIG. 2C exhibits a boat 4 with a shade cover 20 secured to the stanchions 8 instead of the rail 6 by a means of attachment 24. Gravity ensures that the shade cover 20 makes contact with the bow 2 surface. Spacers 50 are employed to uphold the tautly stretched shade cover 20 to establish an insulating air space 95. Though spacers 50 are needed throughout the span of the shade cover 20, depending on the view from the helm securing at this position may be preferred by the user for a less obstructed sight while operating the craft.

For boats 4 without gunwales, access to the bow 2 may be through the windshield. To access the perimeter of the bow 2 for securing the means of attachment 24 at the railing 6/stanchion 8 system and to return to the helm, a quick release seam 23 from the rear of said shade cover 20 towards the front remedies the issue of passage. Illustrated in FIG. 2D is a shade cover 20 featuring said quick release seam 23. The means applied to the seam for quick release may include but are not limited to zippers, hooks, buckles, Velcro®, or magnets.

The shape of the shade cover is not limited to the shape discussed above. A variety of shade cover 20 shapes can be used and are within the scope of the invention. Also, the shade cover 20 is not limited to using specific fastening devices 24. A variety of fastener types 24 can be used to secure the shade cover 20, each of which is within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 3A presents a basic spacer 50 form as a hollow tube. Properties of the material for the form should be non-abrasive, lightweight, shatterproof, impervious to mildew, mold, rot and bacteria, buoyant, low moisture permeability, and excellent shock absorption. Polyethylene foam would be a suitable material for the spacer application. The depicted rope 53 passed through the hollow would provide a means of attachment 24 to secure the spacer 50 to the shade cover or to the railing/stanchion system. Said means of attachment 24 may include, but not limited to ropes 53, straps, belts, bands, cords, or bungees and may feature a quick release, adjustable fastener device at the ends. Said fastener device may include but are not limited to knots, clamps, toggle spring rope locks, ball bungees, magnets, ratchets, hooks, hook and loop, carabineers, clips, or buckles.

FIG. 3B illustrates a spacer 50 form encased in fabric 54 having straps 57, cords, or ropes secured at the ends with a means of attachment 24. The strap may be omitted having the attachment method 24 immediately at the ends of the casing 54. The said attachment method 24 may include, but is not limited to carabiners 58, knots, clamps, ball bungees, magnets, ratchets, hooks, hook and loop, clips, or buckles.

FIG. 3C shows a pocket 55 attached to the underside of a shade cover 20 to house a spacer 50 which would eliminate the need for fasteners. Accurate placement is critical because the pocket can not be readily repositioned.

FIG. 3D shows a spacer form 50 with a means of attachment 24 immediately connected. An ideal air filled tube material would be that similar to boat fenders. The means of attachment 24 illustrated is a hook 59, but may include but is not limited to ropes, clamps, toggle spring rope locks, ball bungees, magnets, ratchets, hook and loop, carabineers, clips, or buckles.

The shape of the spacer 50 is not limited to the shape discussed above. A variety of spacer 50 shapes can be used and are within the scope of the invention. Also, the spacer 50 is not limited to using specific fastening devices 24. A variety of fastener types 24 can be used to secure the spacer 50, each of which is within the scope of the invention.

The factors attributing to the quantity of spacers 50 required to maintain an insulating air space 95 between the shade cover 20 and the surface of the bow 2 are the size of the shade cover 20, the position in which attached and, the incline of the bow profile being higher than the point of attachment. In consideration of said factors, numerous variations of arrangement and positioning of the spacers 50 yield a solution to maintain the air space 95. The spacer 50 configuration in FIG. 4A exhibits a lateral placement.

Framing the shape of the shade cover 20 as in FIG. 4B results in a triangular spacer 50 arrangement. This configuration would not obstruct a hatch typically positioned in the center of the bow 2 from opening.

Positioning spacers 50 from front to rear offers better aerodynamics when underway and conforming to the shape of the shade cover 20 lends to a radial configuration as shown in FIG. 4C.

The configuration of the spacers 50 to maintain an insulating air space 95 is not limited to the formations described above. A variety of spacer 50 arrangements can be used and are within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 4A illustrates a shade cover 20 tailored to a specific bow 2 made in a similar method as some canopy tops which gives a custom appearance. The plurality of recesses are strategically positioned at the intersections of the stanchions 8 to the rails 6 allows for the material to easily wrap around the rail 6 without interference from the stanchion 8. Snaps 25 or other fastening devices set in the reinforced hem 22 secure the edges of the shade cover 20 to its body. The rail 6 height clears the bow 2 surface and maintains an insulating space 95.

FIG. 4B illustrates the shade cover 20 secured at the rail 6. The height of the stanchion 8 provides adequate clearance to maintain an insulating air space 95 between the shade cover 20 and the surface of the bow 2. The means of attachment 24 shown is an adjustable Velcro® strap passing through a grommet 21 placed along the reinforced edge 22 of the shade cover 20. Utilizing grommets, or rings along the reinforced edge 22 at anchor points permit flexibility with exchanging various means of attachment 24 compared to affixing said means of attachment 24 directly to the shade cover 20. The swap could be to replace worn or lost parts or introduce a different means of attachment 24.

FIG. 4C shows the shade in a low position attached to the stanchion 8 instead of the rail 6 as depicted in the two previous examples. Gravity would eventually overcome the tensile force stretching the horizontal plane between the rails 8 giving way for the shade cover 20 would drop to the bow 2 surface eliminating the air space 95. Spacers 50 strategically placed between the shade cover 20 and the bow 2 surface would maintain the air space 95. The spacers illustrated are housed in an open-ended pocket 55 secured to the underside of the shade cover 20. A tarp clamp 28 offers flexibility in positioning anchor points along the reinforced edge 22 as a means of attachment 24. A bungee or shock cord 27 hooked at the tarp clip 28 wraps around the stanchion 8 and returns to hook at the tarp clip 28. The longitudinal extension of the elastic cords 27 will convey an adjustable range of tension to provide tensile force to the horizontal plane of said shade cover 20. The bungee cords can easily be replaced when worn or lost.

The shape of the shade cover 20 is not limited to the shape discussed above. A variety of shade cover 20 shapes can be used and are within the scope of the invention. Also, the shade cover 20 is not limited to using specific fastening devices 24. A variety of fastener 24 types and combinations can be used to secure the shade cover 20, each of which is within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates the function of the shade cover 20. Generated by fusion, heat travels from the surface of the sun 100 on electromagnetic waves 101 through the void of space penetrating earth's atmosphere affecting the kinetic energy of matter contacted. The surface of a boat's 4 bow 2 in the sun absorbs the heat 103, raising the temperature of the boat 4 structure by conduction. The boat 4 structure heats 103 the air within the cabin 10 by convection. The cabin 10 temperature becomes uncomfortably warm making the experience less enjoyable. A boat 4 equipped with a generator could operate an air condition to cool the cabin. Running an air condition puts a load on the generator which may consume approximately four gallons per hour. Utilizing a shade cover 20 on the bow 2 of a boat 4 secured at the railing 6/stanchion 8 system by a means of attachment 24 maintaining an insulating air space 95 potentially with the aid of spacers 50 would perform as a heat sink, deflect the heat of the sun 102, reduce the rate and amount of heat 103 absorbed as well as protect the gel coat. The primary thermal performance of the shade cover 20 reduces solar heat gain. The effectiveness of the present invention would preserve a comfortable cabin 10 temperature allowing enjoyable use of the accommodations. The air conditioner would be run with less load on the generator, thus saving fuel, and less wear and depreciation of the generator and air conditioner.

It is to be emphasized that the described embodiments of the invention are merely possible examples of implementation and outline the principles of the invention. Any adaptations or variations without departing substantially from the spirit and scope of the invention are intended to be covered in this application. 

1. A weather resistant textile shaped and sized to the bow of a boat is tautly stretched on a horizontal plane secured by a fixed or adjustable attachment system across the rail and/or stanchion system of said boat bow, performing as a heat sink and a solar ray deflector, shading the bow surface to reduce solar heat gain to the bow and the cabin below as well as protecting the gel coat.
 2. The said attachment methods in claim 1 may incorporate a plurality of straps, bands, cords or Velcro® sewn to said shade or, passed through grommets or rings with any of said means and methods of adjustment including but not limited to knots, clamps, toggle spring rope locks, bungee cords, ball bungees, magnets, ratchets, hooks, hook and loop, carabineers, clips or, buckles.
 3. To sustain the structural integrity of the textile bearing the tensile force when stretched across the bow in claim 1, reinforcement of the circumferential edges of the shade includes but, are not limited to hemming, basting, facing or binding.
 4. When necessary, strategically positioned spacers maintain an insulating air space between the shade and the bow surface which may be secured to the reinforced hemmed edge of said shade, the railing/stanchion system or, holding pockets or straps fixed to the underside of said shade in which placement is determined by the contours of the boat and the plane of the shade.
 5. Said spacer(s) of claim 4 may be but not limited to a rudimentary system of a rope or strap passing through a hollow tubular form, a form with means of attachment or, an encased form with means of attachment including but, not limited to ropes, snaps, buttons, magnets, clamps, toggle spring rope locks, ratchets, hooks, hook and loop, clips or, buckles.
 6. For boats without gunwales having bow access by through the windshield passage, a seam positioned in the body from the aft edge of said shade cover having a quick release method as in a zipper, Velcro, magnets, or other means, permits the user to reach attachments to secure or remove at the rails and stanchions and return to the helm. The claims appended hereto are meant to encompass modifications, variations and changes in details which can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, particularly in matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts within the scope and spirit of the present invention be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 